Financial Reporting Officer

Position Number (Final) : 00508023

Employee Group: Support Staff

Job Category: Audit, Finance, and Procurement

Department or Area: Financial Services

Location: Kingston, Ontario, Canada (Hybrid)

Prior to May 1, 2022, the University required all students, faculty, staff, and visitors (including contractors) to declare their COVID-19 vaccination status and provide proof that they were fully vaccinated or had an approved accommodation to engage in in-person University activities. These requirements were suspended effective May 1, 2022, but the University may reinstate them at any point.

Queen’s University is the Canadian research intensive university with a transformative student learning experience. Here the employment experience is as diverse as it is interesting. We have opportunities in multiple areas of globally recognized research, faculty administration, engineering & construction, athletics & recreation, power generation, corporate shared services, and many more.

We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from individuals from equity seeking groups such as women, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous/Aboriginal peoples, persons with a disability, persons who identify in the LGBTQ+ community and others who reflect the diversity of Canadian society.

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JOB SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Associate Director, Financial Analysis and Reporting, the Financial Reporting Officer performs a critical role in the preparation of the university’s financial statements and related management and statutory reports. This position is responsible for providing leadership and expertise on matters of financial stewardship, including the preparation of the university’s various reporting requirements, financial analysis, and planning and budgeting as required by senior management and the Board of Trustees and Committees. The incumbent will have financial and accounting responsibilities, including processing financial transactions, overseeing account management, and preparing and monitoring managerial and budget reporting. The Financial Reporting Officer works with a number of internal and external stakeholders including providing direct support to Directors/AVPs/unit leads in their financial planning. This roles requires the incumbent to be privy to, and participate in conversations about, sensitive and confidential information as a regular part of their regular duties.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Provide support in the preparation of the university’s financial statements and all related entities including the preparation of year-end working paper files for the external auditors.
• Provide support in the preparation of the university’s other financial reports and statutory filings. These reports and filings include financial reports for the Council of Ontario Universities and the Canadian Association of the University Business Officers; United States and Canadian income tax returns.
• Prepare full-cycle budget and planning financial materials (including staffing plans) in support of multiple diverse operations.
• Prepare analysis for, and participate in, discussions of organizational design involving confidential staffing plans that could include changes in workforce.
• Provide support in the preparation of quarterly financial reports and other financial analysis as required for the use by senior management and the Board of Trustees and Committees.
• Perform financial and accounting duties, including processing financial transactions and overseeing account management.
• Identify, create and generate appropriate and relevant management reports based on required needs.
• Coordinate workflow and determine priorities as necessary. Guide, advise, and lead employees.
• Delegate and oversee the work of others for specific work assignments and review and provide input for performance appraisals.
• Promote a culture that supports diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.
• Undertake other duties and special projects as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• University degree in Commerce or Business Administration plus a professional accounting designation in good standing such as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).
• Several years of experience in progressively responsible positions in an accounting/advisory capacity, preferably in a university or large institution environment.
• Excellent communication skills, client service orientation, and ability to maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information.
• Strong skills and experience in Microsoft Office applications, specifically Word and Excel.
• Demonstrated knowledge of PeopleSoft (or similar Enterprise Resources Planning system) considered an asset.
• Knowledge of the CPA Canada Handbook standards, with particular emphasis on standards applicable to not-for-profit organizations.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check is required.
• Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.

SPECIAL SKILLS:
• Advanced auditing and analysis skills required to prepare detailed financial reports and accurate statements.
• Analytical, interpretive and accounting skills to provide financial management, monitor and make budget recommendations and follow accounting and audit policies and procedures.
• Ability to work with complex accounting procedures.
• Strong analytical, interpretive and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organization skills required to coordinate and direct the work of others and effectively cope with multiple competing demands, priorities, and deadlines.
• Strong computer skills including spreadsheet analysis (MS Excel), database software (Bi- Query), and a working knowledge of other computer programs applicable to the position. Ability to adapt to emerging technologies.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills to interact professionally with individuals at all levels, internal and external to the university.
• Ability to handle issues with tact, discretion, diplomacy and provide practical insight to manage confidential or sensitive matters.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and possess a customer focused attitude.
• Self-motivated with an ability to work independently or with little supervision.

DECISION MAKING:
• Based on professional accounting knowledge, determine how accounting problems and errors should be corrected.
• Based on knowledge of government laws, rules and regulations, determine the appropriate tax treatment of accounting transactions.
• Based on knowledge of University policies and procedures, determine the appropriate preparation of managerial or budget reports/analysis
• Make independent decisions as an integral part of daily duties.
• Exercise complete discretion when handling confidential information such as workforce planning including hiring, termination, or promotion to build scenarios, reports and projections.
• Make recommendations for changes and improvements while keeping in mind the best interests of the department, service, or faculty and the University as a whole.
• Determine process and control improvements and provides solutions to implement effectively monitor and influence budget and staffing decisions.
• Determine type and level of information needed by management to support decision-making, or if and when escalation is needed.
• Develop a range of solutions to a given problem and recommend on best alternative.

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen’s is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, visible minorities, Aboriginal Peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

The University provides support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant's accessibility needs. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to contact Human Resources at hradmin@queensu.ca .